CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from Lazio - October 18, 2026

Historically, wines from Lazio (such as Frascati) were regarded as little more than inexpensive drinks consumed in bulk to accompany the rustic cuisine of Roman trattorias. Thanks to soils rich in minerals and volcanic tuff (particularly in the Castelli Romani and Lake Bolsena areas), the region is undergoing an extraordinary change from mass-market bulk wine to meticulous artisanal production showcasing native grape varieties and the terroir.

Join us for a Sunday lunch tasting. If the weather is good we’ll enjoy our hosts’ beautiful terrace for this event.

When: Sunday, Oct 18, 2026

Time: 12 noon

Where: Residence of CCR members – Villa Patrizi area (exact details will be sent to registered participants).

Cost: €35 for members (€45 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light lunch will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, Oct 12th at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead this CCR wine tasting. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned the “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

CCR Wine Social: Dinner and Tasting - May 8, 2026

We're having a social at a great wine bar and wine cellar in Rome! The Enoteca Peluso in the Ludovisi neighbourhood periodically holds excellent events featuring selected wines paired with dinner, and we've booked a table to take advantage of this opportunity. Join us for an informal but informative evening as we socialize over great food and wine. 

This event will focus on four wines from the producer Il Roncal in the Colli Orientali del Friuli region of Italy: Malvasia, Ribolla Gialla, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, and Schioppettino. A sommelier will be serving and although there won't be a formal presentation, they will be happy to answer all our questions.

Book soon, as there are limited spots at our table!

Where: Enoteca Peluso, Via Sardegna 36A (Ludovisi/Via Veneto/Villa Borghese area)

When: Friday, May 8, 2026

Time: 8 p.m. 

Cost: €38 for members (€40 for non-members), by reservation only. Advance payment required to confirm your place.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda and payment by noon on Monday, May 4th. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Divine Wine Outing in Nettuno - April 11, 2026

Feel like a springtime vineyard tour and winery lunch conveniently reached by train from Rome? We're heading to Casa della Divina Providenza in Nettuno to learn about their winemaking tradition, discover local food and wine pairings, meet the winery’s enologist, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch matching the winery's vintages with each serving.

The Casa Divina Provvidenza estate was established in 1821 as a Vatican holding before being acquired by the Cosmi family, who have, for three generations now, focused on the rediscovery of indigenous Lazio region grape varieties.

Lunch menu & wine pairings

Appetizers

Local coldcuts and spiced cheeses paired with the winery's fruit jams

Tomato and pecorino cheese balls

Fried pizza with confit tomato

served with Spumante Maredivino Rosé di Cesanese

Primo

Fresh strozzapreti pasta with sausage and crunchy zucchini on a bed of Parmigiano cream

served with Bianco Cacchione Nettuno DOP

Main Course

Pork filet with red Cesanese wine reduction

Rosemary potatoes

served with Rosso Cesanese

Dessert

Homemade ciambelline (ring cookies) made with red wine

served with Passito Dositheo sweet wine

N.B. A vegetarian option is available!

When: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Meeting Place & Timing: Termini train station in front of platform 12 (inside the gates) at 9:15. Purchase tickets in advance €7.20 return. Train to Nettuno leaves at 9:42. Transportation from Nettuno train station to the vineyard (3 km) included in tour price.

Where: Azienda Agricola Casa Divina Provvidenza, Via Santa Maria 3, Nettuno (RM) 

Cost: €50 for CCR members, €60 non-members. Cost includes local transportation, wine tasting, tour and lunch. Advance payment required.

RSVP & PoP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by April 6th.

CCR Wine Tasting: Rare Vintages from Humble Roots to Triumph - November 22, 2025

NB: Full/wait list open.

Italy possesses an extraordinary wealth of native grape varieties -- a living archive of viticultural biodiversity stretching back centuries. Yet for decades, many of these indigenous cultivars fell into obscurity and were overshadowed as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other international varietals swept across the Italian countryside. Now, a determined group of winemakers deeply rooted in their ancestral terroir are reclaiming this legacy. They are reviving forgotten native grapes unique to their regions, coaxing them back from near extinction and crafting distinctive wines that capture the authentic character of the land. The result is a collection of rare vintages virtually unknown beyond Italy's borders, expressions that tell stories of place, tradition, and a commitment to the preservation of this wine heritage.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

Time: 7 p.m. 

Where: Residence of CCR members – Villa Patrizi area (exact details will be sent to registered participants).

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, Nov. 17 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

We are pleased to have Canadian-Italian sommelier Cindi Emond lead this wine tasting in English. Following years of dedicated wine studies, Cindi completed WSET and three diploma levels, and has certifications from Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association. With her background in education and as a fine art and documentary photographer, Cindi combines technical knowledge with the gift of storytelling, making wine accessible and entertaining.

CCR Wine Tasting: The Story of Chianti Classico - March 8, 2025

Did you know that the name ‘Chianti’ referring to the wine dates back to at least 1398? Or that in 1716, Tuscan grand duke Cosimo III officially defined the Chianti wine area which, with a few changes, continues to exist to this day? In 2024, the Chianti Classico wine consortium, an organization which helps to protect and promote the quality of chianti wine, celebrated its hundredth year.

At our upcoming Chianti Classico wine tasting, the history and diversity of Chianti Classico wine region will be explored. We will also delve into the grape varieties and terroir that are so important to the region. After a short ‘lesson’ there will be a tasting of 5 Chianti Classico wines. Top Chianti producers will be showcased, with wines from each of the 5 different Chianti subregions.

Where: Residence of CCR members – Villa Patrizi area (exact details will be sent to registered participants).

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday 3rd at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Gilberto Gangarossa will be guiding the event. A licensed FIS sommelier since 2014, Gilberto has focused his wine knowledge with additional Master Class qualifications in several French and Italian wine regions, including Chianti Classico. He makes frequent trips to the Chianti region and has connections with several of the top producers in the area.

Five Courses Five Wines: Food and Wine Pairing - November 9, 2023

Combining food dishes with the right wine is an art. The aim of food and wine pairing is to heighten the enjoyment and appreciation of each. This month we are doing something special -- we are going to a charming restaurant on Via Giulia with our sommelier to enjoy a five course meal as we learn how to match wines with the various dishes. Please note that space is limited.

Five wines will be paired with: 

Fresh homemade crostini served with burrata d’Andria from Puglia, Cantabrian Sea anchovies from Spain, topped with extra-virgin olive oil

Zucchini flowers stuffed with creamy sheep ricotta, served on a bed of saffron-scented parmesan fondue

Carbonara, rich with guanciale, prepared with traditional handmade strozzapreti pasta and fresh organic eggs

Strips of tender veal prepared alla pizzaiola -- a classic Italian style

Tiramisù with almond cantucci biscuits, white chocolate and saffron -- made in the tradition of Italian grandmothers but with a twist

 
Where: Ristorante Giulietta Vino e Cucina, Via Giulia 169
When: Thursday, November 9, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. 
Cost: €80 for members (€90 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. 
RSVP to Linda; payment must be received by Wednesday, November 1st at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.
 
Italian sommelier and wine master Marco Lori will guide us through the food and wine pairing. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned the “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from the Aeolian Islands - October 15, 2022

Our first in-person wine tasting in a long while takes us to a truly enchanting corner of Italy. Geologically rich and culturally fascinating, the Aeolian Islands, a string of seven volcanic islands located off the northeastern coast of Sicily, are home to some of the area's most interesting wines. Known for their beauty, breathtaking scenery, and volcanoes, there is a real sense of isolation on these islands and their wineries are small and often family-run.

Where: Residence of CCR members – outdoor terrace weather permitting, indoor if rain (Villa Patrizi area -- details will be sent to registered participants).
When: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Time: 7 p.m. 
Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.
RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, October 10 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

After a professional past as a dentist, Alessandra Bottino became a sommelier to follow her passions after she emigrated to Italy from Brazil in 2011. Qualified as a sommelier since 2013, she has led wine tasting events in Brazil, focusing on Italian history and culture, and throughout Italy, from Piedmont to Sicily. Alessandra is profoundly influenced by the philosophy and teachings of the late wine master Daniele Maestri, with whom she collaborated. Like him, her tastings are enriched by the culture, history and stories of a region. Alessandra’s current focus is on southern Italy and, for this wine tasting, we will benefit from her recent travels and research on wines from the Aeolian Islands.

 
This session will be given in English and Italian.

Genzano Art & Wine TAKE TWO! - June 5, 2022

Our first, very small-group visit to Palazzo Jacobini filled up so quickly that we've decided to do a second take and give more members and friends the opportunity to go on this outing to the Castelli Romani for some fabulous wine, art and fun socializing!

...

If your family had a tradition of making its own award-winning wine that dated back to 1680 only to be interrupted during the Second World War, wouldn't you dream of reviving it? Those were exactly the sentiments that motivated the Carafa Jacobini family to embark on the shift from being part of a wine grape-growing coop to being sole producers once again. Now the 2021 vintage of "Jacobini IGP Lazio" organic white wine is ready to be shared with us, too!

Nina and Alessandro in their vineyard

So we're heading to Genzano, in the Castelli Romani hills, for a very special experience. Alessandro Carafa Jacobini and Nina Farrell will welcome us into their family's private 17th-century home, Palazzo Jacobini, in the centre of Genzano, and we'll view the art collection Alessandro's family has assembled over the decades. During our visit, we will taste Jacobini wine and make an aperitivo of it in the Sala Pio IX room, where the wine will be paired with local artisan cheese, meats and breads, along with a tasting of their organic olive oil.

Just 3300 bottles have been produced of their 2021 vintage. Starting in 2019 they selected the best Procanico plants (a variety of Trebbiano Toscano) by hand from their Poggio del Cardinale vineyard. The final product reflects the volcanic terroir of the Castelli, producing a fresh, crisp but balanced white. At the end of our visit it will also be possible to purchase the wine at a special price for CCR members.

After our lovely art visit and aperitivo, we'll stroll over to a nearby restaurant for a set meal including a primo, a secondo, wine (another local organic Trebbiano -- for the sake of comparison!) and water. Nina and Alessandro can provide suggestions if you'd like to explore the area further on your own after lunch.

When: Sunday, June 5, 2022
Time: doors open at 11 and tour starts at 11:15 sharp

Where: Genzano centre; the exact address will be sent by email to confirmed participants.
Transportation: by your own means.
Cost: €40 per person including the art tour, wine tasting, aperitivo, and set lunch. CCR members and guests of members only. Advance payment is required.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com

Genzano Art & Wine - May 15, 2022

N.B. This event is now full. Wait list only.

If your family had a tradition of making its own award-winning wine that dated back to 1680 only to be interrupted during the Second World War, wouldn't you dream of reviving it? Those were exactly the sentiments that motivated the Carafa Jacobini family to embark on the shift from being part of a wine grape-growing coop to being sole producers once again. Now the 2021 vintage of "Jacobini IGP Lazio" organic white wine is ready to be shared with us, too!

Nina and Alessandro in their vineyard

So we're heading to Genzano, in the Castelli Romani hills, for a very special experience. Alessandro Carafa Jacobini and Nina Farrell will welcome us into their family's private 17th-century home, Palazzo Jacobini, in the centre of Genzano, and we'll view the art collection Alessandro's family has assembled over the decades. During our visit, we will taste Jacobini wine and make an aperitivo of it in the Sala Pio IX room, where the wine will be paired with local artisan cheese, meats and breads, along with a tasting of their organic olive oil.

Just 3300 bottles have been produced of their 2021 vintage. Starting in 2019 they selected the best Procanico plants (a variety of Trebbiano Toscano) by hand from their Poggio del Cardinale vineyard. The final product reflects the volcanic terroir of the Castelli, producing a fresh, crisp but balanced white. At the end of our visit it will also be possible to purchase the wine at a special price for CCR members.

After our lovely art visit and aperitivo, we'll stroll over to a nearby restaurant for a set meal including a primo, a secondo, wine (another local organic Trebbiano -- for the sake of comparison!) and water. Nina and Alessandro can provide suggestions if you'd like to explore the area further on your own after lunch.

When: Sunday, May 15, 2022
Time: doors open at 11 and tour starts at 11:15 sharp

Where: Genzano centre; the exact address will be sent by email to confirmed participants.
Transportation: by your own means.
Cost: €40 per person including the art tour, wine tasting, aperitivo, and set lunch. CCR members only. Advance payment is required.
RSVP to Anna at canadarome@gmail.com by May 11th, 2022.

CCR Online Wine Class: Italy vs France - January 15, 2022

Italy and France are two of the finest wine producers in the world. What is unique about each? Is one better than the other? Our sommelier, Cynthia Chaplin will take us on a ’wine tour’ of these two great wine producing countries from the comfort of our homes. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. Join us in discovering, enjoying, and learning more about wine. 

 
When: Saturday, January 15, 2022
Time: 6-7:30p.m.
Where: on Zoom
Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed. January 12, 2022. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.
 
Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and with the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a professor of Italian wine and culture. Besides writing articles about wine for magazines and websites, she judges at international wine and sake competitions, and she consults with restaurants and enotecas on developing their wine lists and food pairings. Cynthia is currently a Project Manager and Educator for Vinitaly International Academy, and host on the Voices Series for The Italian Wine Podcast.

CCR Online Wine Class: The Many Faces of Aglianico - May 15, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes. This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

 

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from.

The Fifth Class – The Many Faces of Aglianico

 

We’ll deep dive into a single grape and discover how one grape can vary from place to place, how it expresses each location differently and why. How does the hand of man change the outcome and personality of various wines made with the same grape? Explore the variety of wine styles the Aglianico grape can produce and learn about the aging potential and prices points across the range. We'll uncover the history and movement of this grape, as well as how styles have changed from early wine making days to the present.

When: Saturday, May 15, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: on Zoom

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed. May 12, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, editor and writer for Infowine.com, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

CCR Online Wine Classes: Sicily Past and Present - April 17, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes. This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

 

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from.

The Fourth class – Sicily Past and Present

The emergence of this region as a true cutting edge leader of Italian excellence for the future and its success in the fight against the challenges of climate change. A bit of history, a look at the most important grapes, the newest trends and successes, wines to watch over the next few years, producers who are movers and shakers. 

 

When: Saturday, April 17, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: on Zoom

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed., Apr. 15, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, editor and writer for Infowine.com, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

The classes will be given in English.

CCR Online Wine Classes: Wine and Women - March 13, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes.  This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

 

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from. 

The Third class – Wine and Women

International Women’s Day is celebrated in March and we will mark the day with a ‘wine celebration’ showcasing women wine producers in Italy. More and more women are joining the ranks of a new generation of innovative Italian wine makers. And although still in a minority, women are taking over the business of some of Italy’s top vineyards.

When: Saturday, March 13, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: Your Place! Online meeting platform: Zoom.

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed, Mar. 10, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

 

The classes will be given in English.

CCR Online Wine Classes: An Italian Wine Fly-By - January 16, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes.  This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from. 

The first class - An Italian Wine ‘Fly By’

 

More than an introduction, this session will give a brief background history of wine in Italy plus current trends and events in the sector. Wine styles in Italy compared to those found around the world, a look at the differences between wines in the north and the south, as well as a discussion of premium Italian wines versus those which are excellent quality, good value for money and lesser known internationally. We will drink a white and a red.

When: Saturday, January 16, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: Your Place! Online meeting platform.

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed, January 13, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

 

The classes will be given in English.

CCR Day Trip: A New Winery in Old Wine Country - October 17, 2020

Long-time residents of Rome know that the hilly area south of Rome, called I Castelli Romani, has been famous for its wine production for millennia. Although the reputation of its wines waned in the middle of the last century, savvy wine producers have made huge strides in recent years to deliver high-quality vintages that make the most of the incredibly fertile terroir, with its mineral-rich volcanic soils, the added value of nighttime temperature-dropping elevations and sea breezes blowing in from the coast.

One of these new vintners is Stefano Imperatori, who chose this area in 2009 when he decided to leave his day job and pour his heart and soul into a brand new winery designed with a team of experts. They decided to plant some of the international varietals that produce astounding results on Italian soil, but another part of their mission was to recover ancient native vines and apply the best of modern of wine-making techniques. They're even experimenting with the extremely ancient practice of making wine in terracotta amphorae!

Take this opportunity to get out of town, without going too far, to learn about and taste some very fine wines. We'll start with an English-language tour of the winery with Nina, a long-term American expat who obtained her sommelier certification in Italy. Then we'll enjoy a guided tasting of Cantina Imperatori wines on their huge terrace (there's lots of room for physical distancing) with its view of the valley and Rome, followed by a selection of local products, including a cheese and charcuterie board, pizza bianca e rossa, panzanella (bread salad), and ciambelline al vino (biscuits). In case of rain, we'll move inside the winery's very spacious tasting room, adjacent to the terrace.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2020

Time: 11:30 starting with the winery tour (fields, methods, production facilities, cellars, etc.)

Where: Cantina Imperatori, Frascati

Transportation: By car (please carpool if you are comfortable with that). Confirmed/paid participants will be sent more detailed directions.

Cost: €35 for CCR members (€40 for non-members). Advance payment is required.

RSVP to Anna at canadarome@gmail.com by Oct. 15. Please let us know whether you will be seated in a single, couple or household "bubble."

CCR Wine Tasting: We are going white! - March 17, 2018

This time we'll be sampling only white wines all evening! They all come from the northern part of Italy and we'll get to compare those from the north-west with those from the north-east.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Piazza Barberini area) - exact address will be sent to registered participants.
When: Saturday, March 17, 2018
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members, €35 for non-members
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Wednesday March 14 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele writes in-depth articles on Italian wines and food for “Bibenda – Vini D’Italia” produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation and he is a major contributor to their wine guide

CCR Aperitivo Wine Tasting: Focus on Sagrantino - November 14, 2017

Structured, deep coloured and tannic, the unique characteristics of Sagrantino are unlike any other grape variety in Italy. The tasting will focus on this big and bold wine not well known outside of Italy.

The Sagrantino wines for the tasting come from the Leonucci winery, a small producer of high quality wines located on the hillside of the Montignano in the township of Massa Martina. Leonucci’s wine is intimately tied to its ‘terroir’ which has cultivated grapes for centuries.

The tasting will start with a white from Umbria then move into the highly structured Sagrantino. And as a special treat, the restaurant will choose aperitivo foods to match the wines tasted.

Where: Ristorante La Piccola Casa di Bleve, Via Sicilia, 47 (Reservation required through CCR)
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Time: 5:45-7:45 pm. (The tasting will end at 7:45 to allow the restaurant to prepare for dinner service.)
Cost: €20
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Fri. Nov. 10, at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Culture, Wine, Food and Music in the Italian countryside - May 20, 2017

May is turning out to be a great month for CCR activities! We have another day trip organized for members and guests and it will touch on everything that we love about Italy. 

First, culture. The day begins with a guided tour of the beautiful medieval frescoes in the crypt of the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria (1072-1104) in the medieval hill town of Anagni, located about 50 km south of Rome. The walls and vaults of the crypt are completely covered with brightly coloured frescoes considered some of the best works of Romanesque/Byzantine art in Italy. Painted in 1237, they form one of the most extensive and best-preserved medieval pictorial cycles in Europe.

Next, wine. From Anagni we drive to the nearby Azienda Agricola Coletti Conti for a tasting of Cesanese wines. The owner Anton Maria Coletti Conti is widely considered to be one of the greatest producers of Cesanese del Piglio, the only DOCG wine in Lazio. Cesanese, with is bright fruit characters and earthy overtones, is considered by many to be one of Lazio's most interesting grape varieties -- and, for the most part, not yet well-known beyond circles of wine enthusiasts.

And then, food and music. We will be treated to a home cooked ‘pranzo al fresco’ hosted by members Evelyn Beller and Blando Palmieri on the terrace of their country cottage in their small vineyard in the countryside outside of Paliano. A time to relax, chat, eat and at the end of the meal enjoy traditional accordion music by a young local musician.

A very special thanks to our friends and CCR members Evelyn Beller and Blando Palmieri who generously organized this outing. In addition Evelyn and Blando are cooking the meal and offering their wine (vino di casa) on behalf of our charity Project Rome.

When: Saturday, May 20, 2017
Transportation, Meeting Point and Time: 9.30 a.m. in Piazza Papa Innocenzo III, Anagni FR. We will meet at ‘Bar del Duomo’ in the piazza for coffee. The guided tour of the crypt in the Santa Maria Cathedral starts promptly at 10.00 a.m. Instructions on where to park will be sent to participants.
Car Pooling: Please let us know if you can offer a ride in your car. We will help organize car pools so that those without vehicles can enjoy this day outing
Cost: €10 for the guided tour of the crypt (members and non-members). The price may vary slightly (higher or lower) depending on the number of participants. We are also asking members to donate on a voluntary basis to Project Rome, CCR’s 2016-17 charity. Non-members may only participate in this exceptional outing and meal with a donation of at least €15, which we will collect on the day of our outing. CCR supports Project Rome's efforts to provide fresh, hot meals to those most in need as well as clothes, shoes, bags and bedding to Rome's poor and disadvantage.
NB: Book early as space is limited and remember that you are financially responsible for your participation.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Thu. May 18.

CCR Wine Tasting: The Age-Old Story of Chianti - November 12, 2016

Tuscany has been producing wine for centuries. Its first DOC dates back over 300 years. With a production of over 35 million bottles, most of which is exported, Chianti Classico is one of the best known wines in the world. Our first tasting of the season will explore the many styles of Chianti, a truly fascinating wine. 

Where: Residence of CCR member (Appia Antica area -- details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Saturday November 12, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to Linda and Paul by Wed. Nov. 9, at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favorite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele writes in-depth articles on Italian wines and food for “Bibenda – Vini D’Italia” produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation and he is also a major contributor to their wine guide.

CCR Wine Tasting: Great Wines from the South - April 24, 2016

With so much to choose from, this tasting is a work in progress. Our sommelier is developing the wine list and plans to please with some southern sensations. At the end of the tasting we will share appetizers, a light dinner and enjoy ‘les fonds de bouteilles’. 

April 23, 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death -- a man who surely appreciated the gifts of the vine!

Where: Residence of CCR member (Piazza Barbarini area -- details will be sent to registered participants)
When: Sunday April 24, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost:  €25 for members (€35 for non-members)
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda and Paul by Wed. Apr. 20, 2016. Please note that you are responsible for your reservation.

Each session is given in French and Italian and focuses on a specific theme relative to Italian wines.

Daniele Maestri, well-known Italian sommelier and a favourite among CCR members for his knowledgeable and lively presentations, will again lead this lecture and wine-tasting. For those interested in ‘wining and dining’, Daniele writes in depth articles on Italian wines and food for “Bibenda – Vini I’Italia” produced by the Italian Sommelier Foundation.